'Sons of Anarchy' Actor David Labrava's Teen Son Dies by Suicide
Editor's Note
If you experience suicidal thoughts or have lost someone to suicide, the following post could be potentially triggering. You can contact the Crisis Text Line by texting “START” to 741741.
Actor David Labrava, known for playing Happy Lowman on “Sons of Anarchy,” posted to social media late Wednesday that his 16-year-old son, Tycho, had died by suicide.
Labrava shared photos of his son on Instagram and Twitter and said his son had depression he “couldn’t see because he was a happy young kid.” He told his followers to “communicate with your loved ones, there might not be any signs.”
Labrava tweeted out a GoFundMe page in honor of Tycho. The donations will go toward a depression and bipolar organization, though the site does not specify which one.
According to the National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH), 3.1 million adolescents aged 12 to 17 had a major depressive episode in 2016. That makes up almost 13 percent of the total adolescent population. While female adolescents are more likely to experience a depressive episode, teenaged boys are still at risk and are more likely to die by suicide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A total of 81 percent of suicides among 10 to 24-year-olds are male.
good times pic.twitter.com/gjJLjCbTFZ
— David Labrava (@davidlabrava) May 10, 2018
While some depressive symptoms overlap between teens and adults, some symptoms are more likely to present in teens. Teens may experience a drop in school performance, anger or rage, poor self-esteem, changes in motivation, energy and sleep patterns. When it comes to suicide warning signs that might show up in teens, not all signs are clear or obvious like suicidal threats. They can include changes in school performance, giving away belongings and dramatic changes in personality or appearance.
The NIMH also has an online brochure of signs and symptoms, ways to get help and other resources for teens if you or someone you know needs help.
Our thoughts are with Labrava and his family during this time.
Elizabeth is the reporter at The Mighty. Elizabeth also runs the Elizabeth Explains column of Mighty Brief, The Mighty's daily newsletter. Follow her on twitter @ekcassidy4 or send an email to elizabeth@themighty.com.
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